Bhubaneswar, 9 August (H.S.) : Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing the 26th convocation ceremony of Brahmapur University, emphasized the need for the institution to go beyond merely awarding degrees and certificates and to foster innovation through research. He highlighted the upcoming milestones when Odisha will complete 100 years as a language-based state in 2036, and India will celebrate the centenary of independence in 2047, urging the university to contribute significantly to nation-building through academic excellence.
Marking the occasion, which coincided with the auspicious Raksha Bandhan full moon day, Pradhan acknowledged the cultural and historical significance of Ganjam district — known as the homeland of tribal communities and a center of art, culture, heritage, and tourism. He paid tribute to eminent personalities like Padma Shri awardee poet Upendra Bhanja, poet Baladev Rath, and Vishwanath Dash, who were born in the region and enriched its legacy.
Pradhan also underlined Ganjam’s vital role in Odisha’s language and literary movements, as well as its contributions to labor rights. He noted that hardworking people from the district have significantly strengthened the economy of Odisha and the country, including places like Surat in Gujarat. Urging responsible efforts to provide local employment opportunities, he stressed that Odisha’s youth possess the capability to succeed if given the right opportunities.
Highlighting government support for quality education at Brahmapur University, the minister announced that under the Double Engine Government and the Prime Minister’s Usha Scheme, Rs. 100 crore has been allocated, along with Rs. 75 crore from the state budget, totaling nearly Rs. 200 crore invested in the university’s development.
Pradhan remarked that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been implemented nationwide, completing five years of execution. He acknowledged the presence of quality higher education institutions in and around Brahmapur, including IGIT Brahmapur, MKCG Medical College, Khallikote Autonomous University, College of Arts & Crafts, Khallikote, Army Defence College, and College of Fisheries.
He also pointed to the region’s rich mineral deposits and the strategic port of Gopalpur, alongside vast tourism potential. Calling for leveraging these strengths, Pradhan urged transforming Brahmapur into a hub of the new-age economy, contributing to a developed Ganjam and a developed Odisha.
As part of the convocation, Pradhan inaugurated Academic Building-1 of Brahmapur University. He also laid the foundation stones for multiple projects under the Prime Minister’s Higher Education Campaign, including a multidisciplinary education and research university complex, researcher hostels, postgraduate hostels and student residences, a multipurpose center for the South Odisha Cultural Museum, a central computer examination center, new academic buildings for social sciences and mental health studies, and a new science academic building. These initiatives are expected to meet student needs and strengthen the university’s reputation.
The event was attended by Odisha Higher Education Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj, Brahmapur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, Aska MP Anita Shubhdarshini, regional MLAs, and other dignitaries.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
